Russia news

The French retailer, Auchan, has announced plans to finish its re-branding project by the end of 2013, following the opening of its first converted Real store in Russia. First re-branded store now open Following the purchase of 16 “Real” stores from Metro Group last year, Auchan  has opened its first re-branded store in Moscow this week. The retailer plans to have re-branded the remaini...

SPAR International has reported worldwide retail sales up 2.8% in 2012, and revealed its new strategy: "Growing our future together." International expansion has always been a strategic goal SPAR's new strategy builds on its long-term objectives. It sets out the strategic objectives for 2013-2015 under three broad headings: Growing our partners - Developing a multi-format presenc...

Dixy has reported total sales at RUR 42.3bn for the first quarter of 2013, and retail revenue growth of 22.7% in ruble terms, for the first four months. Convenience performing well With competition stepping up in Russia after strong performances from X5 and in particular Magnit , an encouraging Q1 for Dixy bodes well. Year-on-year sales grew by 21.9% to RUR 42.3bn, with neighbourhood ...

Metro Cash & Carry plans to open six new stores in the Moscow Region before 2020, according to Russian press reports. At least three new stores in 2013 Speaking to the Russian press, MD Pieter Boone said that three 'classic stores' will open this year, in Serpukhov, Podolsk and Noginsk. In addition, some 20 Metro Punkt outlets are planned in five to seven years' time. These cash & carri...

Russian retailer Magnit is to reformat its network of drugstores in a bid to improve their performance, according to reports in the Russian press. Store closures in the past month According to the reports, 13 unprofitable stores were closed in April and six opened. The reformatting will cover the assortment, price and marketing. The changes are coming following the appointment of Sergei Go...

Russia's Pharmacy Chain 36.6 has reported a 3% fall in 2012 net sales for its retail pharmacy segment.  Over 200 stores closed in 2012 Consolidated sales were also down for the year, falling 2%.  Consolidated net profit was RUB1,039m, compared to a net loss of RUB288m in 2011.  The retailer closed 212 stores during the year, opening 49.  Pricing changes at Leko pharmacies had a negative eff...

Metro Group has reported EBIT (before special items) of €14m, compared to €-8m in Q1 2012, due to earnings improvements at Real, Media-Saturn and other areas of the business.  Group sales down slightly Group sales for the period January to March were €15.5bn, a slight decrease of 0.9% vs. the previous year. This year included three fewer trading days, and the unseasonably cold weather af...

The Russian retailer O’Key has announced plans to accelerate its investment in its store formats, with a strong focus on convenience New banner? After a successful expansion in 2012 , opening stores in four new Russian cities, the retailer is looking to capitalise on this success. O’Key has announced that it will invest RUB 3bn in 2013 in its new format, ‘Da!’, which will be  convenienc...

Russian retailer Azbuka Vkusa has reported 2012 sales of RUB 23bn. Sales grew by 6.5% from RUB 21.6bn in 2011 to RUB 23bn in 2012. Azbuka Vkusa boosted its store portfolio to 54 stores, having opened eight stores during the year. Previously, the entire portfolio was located exclusively in Moscow and the Moscow Province, but the retailer opened its first store in St Petersburg in December 201...

K-Group sales fell by 6.9% in the first quarter, as the business continues to implement its turnaround strategy. Growth in grocery While total group sales were down, Kesko's grocery division performed much better, delivering growth of 3.5% at €1,045m. Kesko estimates this is roughly in line with market growth for Q1. During the period January-March it added three new stores and renovated an...